The surname Rocco is of Italian and Sicilian origin. It derives from the male given name Rocco, which means "rest" or "repose" in Italian. This name has been popular since medieval times due to its association with St. Roch, a 14th-century French saint who was said to have been miraculously healed of the bubonic plague while living as a hermit on a mountain. The popularity of the name Rocco spread throughout Italy and other parts of Europe. Over time, people who shared this name started using it as a surname, particularly in regions with high Italian immigration such as Sicily, southern Italy, and later, North America.
The surname Rocco is of Italian and Sicilian origin, derived from the given name Rocco, which itself is a diminutive form of the name Rocco-Gerardo or Rudgerico, meaning "famous spear" in Germanic languages. The name Rocco was popular among the Normans, who invaded Sicily in 1061 AD and left a lasting impact on the island's culture and language. It became a common surname in Italy, particularly in southern regions like Sicily and Calabria. Over time, as Italian immigrants dispersed across the globe, the Rocco surname spread worldwide. Today, it is found primarily in countries with significant Italian populations such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
The surname Rocco is predominantly Italian in origin, with the highest concentration of bearers found in Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily and Calabria, where it is one of the most common names. However, it also has a significant presence in other parts of Italy, such as Campania, Lazio, and Puglia. The name has spread globally due to Italian immigration, with large communities of Rocco-surnamed individuals found in countries like the United States, Argentina, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. In the United States, for example, the highest concentrations are found in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, reflecting the historical patterns of Italian immigration to those states.
The surname Rocco has various spelling variants due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common versions include Rocco, Racco, Racca, Rakko, and Rocko. Each of these variations originates from the Italian name, which means 'rest on the cheek' or 'diminutive of Roland'. The name has been popularized by numerous figures throughout history, such as the American actor Sylvester Stallone and the Italian operatic tenor Enrico Caruso who were both born with the surname Rocco. Despite these variations, the essence of the name remains consistent, reflecting a strong and enduring identity.
Among notable individuals bearing the surname Rocco are:
1. Rocco Siffredi (b. 1955), an Italian adult film actor and director who has won numerous awards, often referred to as "Rocco Siffredi the Shark."
2. Rocco Granata (1896-1972), a prominent American jazz guitarist of Sicilian descent known for his pioneering work in jazz guitar.
3. Rocco Bocchicchio (b. 1955), an Italian filmmaker who has directed numerous documentaries and feature films, including "Amore" (Love) in 2004.
4. Domenico Modugno (1928-2019), a renowned Italian singer-songwriter of Sicilian descent, best known for his international hit song "Volare" ("Nel blu dipinto di blu"). His stage name was Rocco Granata for a short period at the beginning of his career.
5. Rocco Nacino (b. 1987), a Filipino actor who has appeared in various television series and films, including "Ang Probinsyano" ("The Provincian").
6. Rocco Fasano (b. 1972), an Italian football coach and former player, currently working as the head coach of Serie A team Cagliari Calcio.
The surname Rocco originates from Italy and is derived from the Italian word for "red," possibly indicating a person with red hair or a red-haired ancestor. It was primarily found in Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily, Calabria, and Apulia. The name can be traced back to medieval Italy, where it was borne by members of noble families. Notable figures bearing the Rocco surname include Santi Rocca, a prominent Renaissance architect, and Giuseppe Rocco, an Italian politician. In Sicily, the Roccos are said to have descended from the Normans, who invaded the island in 1061. The surname Rocco is also found among the Jewish population of Italy, with many bearing the name being descendants of the Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492.
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surnames > roca
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